Month: November 2009

Now that the nightmare that was the Apertura 2009 season for CF Indios is over, it is time to start looking forward to next season. The Clausura 2010 season will start in the middle of January and now more than ever the Tribe has to do whatever it takes to avoid relegation and obtain continued existence in Mexico's Premier Soccer Division. This objective begins with the front office who has announced the team's preseason schedule from now right up to the start of the season.

The Tribe will begin its quest for continued existence on November 26th. The team, along with its new acquisitions, will report to the YVASA complex (this is the Indios headquarters) on this day according to Gambino Amparan, Director of Sporting Affairs for the Indios. The team will train in the Borderland for approximately 2 weeks, then they will head to Monterrey for another couple of weeks to continue their preseason training. They will then enjoy the holiday's here in the Borderland before returning to work during the final stretch right up to Week 1 of the 2010 season. The Indios front office also announced that two preseason games will be held in Chihuahua City and in Cuactemoc, Chihuahua.

I have to say that I do have a problem with one of these steps. Or at least a thorough thought. Why is the Tribe going to Monterrey for 1-2 weeks??? For a front office that claims to not have a lot of money and therefore has difficulty hiring any big names to incorporate into the squad, they are sure going to open up the the check book for this getaway. I'm sure there is other regional locations that would serve as good preseason camps for the Tribe. Prior to the season that just ended, there was rumors that the Indios were considering holding there preseason camp in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Instead they opted for Cancun, Quintana Roo. While I'm sure that Monterrey is not going to be as expensive as Cancun, I'm sure its still going to run the franchise a pretty dollar. After all, Hotel nh Monterrey in Monterrey's most affluent community of San Pedro has more than four stars to its resume.

Hell, the way the team performed this season they don't deserve to go any further than the Samalayuca Sand Dunes just south of Juarez. That's where they spent their very first preseason in first division and the teams' physical condition did not evaporate as it did this season. As for now I hope the players are enjoying their vacation time. While some say they don't deserve it, I say they do. If anything, so they can clear their head. Until next time, VAMOS Indios!!!

Well, at least its over. The nightmare, the Apertura 2009 season, one and the same are over. CF Indios finished this hellish season with a 1-1 tie versus the UNAM Pumas in Mexico City on the campus of the National University of Mexico. The Indios took a 1-0 lead with a beautiful header from Hector Gimenez in the 38th minute of the first half. The joy lived by all Indios fans was all too brief when just 4 minutes later Pumas tied the game off of a corner kick. The gol was scored by Marco Antonio Palacios. The second half of the game was bogged down in midfield and was uneventful as both teams appeared to settle for the tie.

With this result Indios made history, one that is rather dubious. They made the fewest points, obviously resulting in the worst season in the history of Mexican Soccer since soccer seasons went to 17 weeks. The team from the Borderland accumulated only 6 points in the entire season. Adding insult to injury the Indios are now in last place in the relegation standings. Queretaro won last night by a score of 4-0 over San Luis.

In other news, the Tribe announced that midfielder Juan Pablo Rodriguez was let go by the team. Rodriguez was suspended by the team approximately 3 weeks ago and final decision was pending. Well now its official, the fan favorite is a member of the Tribe no more. Surely this action will only add gas to the fire with regards to the fans that eagerly await what course of action that the front office will take to turn this thing around and save the team from being demoted.

At this time I would like to take the time to thank the guys from Radio NET 1490 AM for inviting me to join them for the second half of the game during their broadcast to chime in with my commentary. I appreciate the opportunity, it was lots of fun and I hope to do it again soon. Until next time, VAMOS Indios!!!